Waterless car wash
Everyone loves a clean and shiny car, but the effort involved in dragging out a hose and bucket and washing down and then drying a vehicle is another story. Waterless car washes help with that. They are easy to apply and don’t require any rinsing or drying, making them very convenient. Many even incorporate waxes to leave behind a beautiful shine.
Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax All is our favorite simply for its versatility. Not only is it good for all types of vehicles, boats and planes, but you can even use it on countertops, appliances, windows and more. If you want something that leaves behind a longer-lasting shine though, you’ll want to check out our other recommendations at the end of this guide.
What to know before you buy a waterless car wash
What exactly is a waterless car wash?
Waterless car washes are exactly what they sound like, a way to clean your car without having to waste gallons and gallons of water in the process. They are essentially high-lubricity sprays that get under dirt and dust to lift them off the surface of a vehicle.
You simply spray one onto your car, and then wipe it away with a soft cloth. The lubricants in the spray encapsulate the dirt so it doesn’t scratch your car’s paint as it is wiped away, leaving behind a clean and shiny surface.
The benefits of using a waterless car wash
A waterless car wash is an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional method of using a hose and a bucket. It is estimated that the average person uses between 80 and 140 gallons of water per wash on a sedan. That figure is even higher on vans, trucks and SUVs. As the world’s population continues to grow, freshwater sources are being depleted faster than they are being replenished, which leads to increasing chances of scarcity across the world. Anything we can do to lessen our usage of freshwater unnecessarily is beneficial for the planet.
Also, when using the suds and hose method, you are inevitably washing a bunch of soap into sewers or onto your grass. Even if using a biodegradable soap, this is better avoided if possible, and a waterless car wash allows you to do that.
If the eco-friendly nature of waterless car washes wasn’t enough of a benefit for you, perhaps the cost savings and convenience will be. Though waterless car washes may cost more than your average car wash soap, the money you save on water can actually make them a more economical option. Plus, you can easily use a waterless car wash anywhere, whether you have access to a hose or not. They are great for quick touch ups too.
Waterless car wash features
Ready-to-use, concentrate or no-rinse
Waterless car washes come in ready-to-use formulas, concentrates and no-rinse options.
With ready-to-use formulas, which are sometimes labeled as RU on the bottle, you simply spray them directly onto your vehicle from the bottle.
Concentrates are more powerful than ready-to-use formulas, so rather than apply them directly to your vehicle, you add a small amount to a bottle of water to dilute them first. Then, you apply them just like RU waterless washes.
No-rinse options are technically a kind of concentrate, but they require more water and are applied more like a traditional car wash soap. You’ll follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended mix ratio, and then soak a microfiber towel in the solution and wipe down your car. However, unlike with regular soaps, you don’t have to rinse the vehicle off when finished.
Wax
To get that beautiful showroom shine, you need to not just wash your car, but wax it too. And we all know how much of a hassle waxing a vehicle can be. Thankfully, there are many waterless car washes that also contain a wax to shine and protect your vehicle against dirt and UV rays.
Waterless car wash cost
Waterless car washes vary greatly in price depending on whether you buy a ready-to-use formula, a concentrate or a no-rinse option. You can generally find good ready-to-use washes for between $5 and $15 for a 16-ounce bottle. Concentrates may cost as little as 50 cents per 16-ounce bottle when diluted, and no-rinse options usually start around $20 for a 16-ounce bottle.
Waterless car wash FAQ
Can I use a waterless car wash on all the surfaces on my car’s exterior?
A. Most waterless car washes are designed to be used on every surface of your vehicle’s exterior, from the windows down to the wheels. Some can even be used on the dashboard and other interior surfaces. As with all products though, it is important to read the manufacturer’s guidelines of the particular waterless car wash you buy to see exactly what surfaces it is recommended for.
Are waterless car washes suitable for very dirty cars?
A. No. If your car is very dirty and has caked-on mud or heavy layers of dust and grime, a waterless wash is not recommended. Instead, you’ll need to give your vehicle a traditional wet car wash.
Which waterless car wash should I get?
Best of the best waterless car wash
Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax All: available at Amazon
Our take: A versatile formula that can be used on everything from vehicles and RVs to aircraft and boats, Wash Wax All is a good choice for just about everyone.
What we like: It is easy to apply and wipe off, and it can also be used as a wet wash for very dirty vehicles.
What we dislike: The shine it produces doesn’t last as long as some others.
Best bang for your buck waterless car wash
Chemical Guys Ecosmart-RU Waterless Wash and Wax: available at Amazon
Our take: This environmentally friendly formula leaves behind a scratch- and swirl-free shine that can almost rival professional detailing.
What we like: It contains natural carnauba wax, and is suitable for use on chrome and glass, in addition to painted surfaces.
What we dislike: The sprayer bottle it comes in is prone to malfunctioning.
Honorable mention waterless car wash
Meguiar’s Ultimate Waterless Wash and Wax: available at Amazon
Our take: Most people will be pleasantly surprised at how well Meguiar’s Ultimate works, especially considering the low per-ounce cost.
What we like: The formula makes it easy to get spot-free results, and a single bottle provides up to five washes.
What we dislike: It can leave smudges on heavily soiled cars.
Brett Dvoretz is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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